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EDITORIALS

Monthly Compilation

OCTOBER

2019

GIST OF

53/5, First Floor, Old Rajinder Nagar

Contact: 011-49789720, 9990356664, 7840048445

(E-mail-info@chromeias.com, Website- http://chromeias.com)

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INDEX

1. A more equal friendship Category: GS 2 (International relations) 02

2. A new kind of government Category: GS 2 (Governance) 03

3. Water management issues Category: GS 3 (Economy) 04

4. Creating jobs for young India Category: GS 3 (Economy) 05

5. String up the Truth Category: GS 3 ( Agriculture) 05

6. Easier does it Category: GS 3 ( Economy) 06

7. Forging trade alliances Category: GS 2 (International bodies) 07

8. Framing laws for outer space Category: GS 3 (SC n tech) 08

9. Good report card Category: GS 3 (Economy) 09

10. Housing crisis, untouched Category: GS 2 (Social sector) 10

11. In a plastic world Category: GS 3 (Environment) 10

12. In Mammallapuram Category: GS 2 (International relations) 12

13. It’s about benchmarks Category: GS 2 (Polity) 13

14. Maintaining the India-China Category: GS 2 ( International Relations) 13

15. Minding the gaps Category: GS 3 (economy) 14

16. Should schools have prayers? Category: GS 2 (Polity) 15

17. Still a developing country Category: GS 2 ( International instns) 16

18. Taking national data seriously Category: GS 2/3 17

19. A health warning Category: GS 2 (Health) 18

20. The law isn’t enough Category: GS 2 (Governance) 19

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A MORE EQUAL FRIENDSHIP

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/xi-jinping-nepal-visit-narendra-modi-xi-summit-india-nepal-relations-6080914/

Category: GS 2 (International relations)

1000 words summarized to 250

Introduction

President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Kathmandu has helped focus on the changing dynamic between India, China and Nepal. India’s hegemony overstated

Nepal has close civilization ties with both China and India. Its Geopolitics, too, were shaped by both the neighbours.

When China gained control of Tibet in 1950, Nepal was frightened by the communist threat turned to India for protection.

The Sino-Indian conflict opened up space for Kathmandu to weaken the treaty arrangements with India.

China’s dramatic rise in the 21st century makes Beijing a far more compelling partner for Kathmandu.

Reason for loss of hegemony

There was no special value attached in India to the commercial interdependence with land-locked Nepal, let alone nurture it.

Delhi also allowed the border infrastructure to rot over the decades.

Delhi’s attempts to revive connectivity with Nepal in recent years have run into problems.

There has been growing political resistance in Kathmandu to deeper economic relations.

The old rules don’t apply any more in the triangular relationship.

Options before Nepal

It has at least three possible options:

One is to opt for neutrality and symmetry in its relations with India and China.

Second, it could decide that a special relationship with China is more valuable than the one with India.

Third, it could continue a policy of dynamic balancing and make the best of the possibilities with both China and India.

Way forward for India

India should stop whining about China’s growing presence in Nepal.

Instead, it should let Nepalese decide what is good for them and tailor its own responses accordingly.

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Conclusion

India-Nepal relation must be based on sovereign equality and mutual benefit.

A NEW KIND OF GOVERNMENT

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/a-new-kind-of-government-niti-aayog-aspirational-districts-programme-6095138/

Category: GS 2 (Governance)

700 words summarized to 170

Introduction The Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) is an outcomes-focused governance in the world. About ADP

It is Niti Aayog’s flagship initiative to improve health, nutrition, education, and economic outcomes.

It is spread across 112 of India’s socio-economically challenged districts.

Three pillars of ADP The ADP’s theory of change rests on three pillars:

Competition,

Convergence, and

Collaboration.

Outcomes of ADP

increases in registering pregnant women into the health system

increase in institutional delivery of babies

increase in anti-diarrheal treatment via ORS and zinc

Factors responsible for positive outcome of ADP

pioneering state and district-level initiatives

local governments improve programme implementation and design

focus on outcomes enables local experimentation

partnerships between civil society organisations and district governments

ADP: laboratory of reforms

the programme has shifted focus away from inputs to outcomes

it has introduced non-financial incentives to encourage government officials to deliver results

the programme has also developed a lean data infrastructure

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Way forward

district-ranking index can be improved further

High quality administrative data is critical

Building each district’s internal capacity to produce reliable data

Conclusion It is critical to carefully document and learn from the ADP’s experiences.

RETHINKING WATER MANAGEMENT ISSUES

Category: GS 3 (Economy)

900 words summarized to 200 In 2018, NITI Aayog had released its ‘Strategy for New India @75’. This document there is a strategy for water resources. Requirements of effective water strategy

Acknowledge and analyse past failures;

Suggest realistic and implementable goals; and

Stipulate who will do what, and within what time frame. Reasons for probable failure of NITI Ayog’s water strategy

Failed ideas: It reiterates failed ideas such as setting up of river basin organisations and water resources regulatory authority.

Execution of ideas: Ideas for reforms do not say how these will come about. For example, there is no recommendation to amend the Easement Act.

Real constraints: It fails to identify real constraints such as PIL filed in NGT, Supreme Court, and High Courts.

No cognisance of past reforms: It takes no cognisance of effective reforms that were done in past, such as a National Water Framework law.

Unrealistic goals: Goals such as providing irrigation to all farms; adequate and safe piped water supply to all citizens and livestock; etc. are unrealistic.

Way forward

It must specify who will be responsible for achieving the specific goals.

Government needs to plan to arrest the blatant misuse of PIL.

India’s water establishment needs to admit that the strategy pursued so far has not worked.

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Conclusion

NITI Aayog has failed to admit the past failures in water management and has prescribed only a continuation of past failed policies.

CREATING JOBS FOR YOUNG INDIA

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/creating-jobs-for-young-india/article29559283.ece

Category: GS 3 (Economy)

1000 words summarized to 120 Context

In 2017-18, unemployment in the country reached an all-time high rate of 6.1%. The unemployment saga

In 2018, there were 30.9 million unemployed in India.

Employment opportunities in construction created in rural India fell sharply after 2012.

Size of the manufacturing workforce in India declined after 2012.

Mismatch between potential supply of and demand for labour deepened after 2012. Reasons behind rise in unemployment

Increase in labour supply due to rapid expansion of the working-age population.

Change in nature of labour supply with increasing education and job aspirations.

Size of the workforce engaged in agriculture has been declining in India.

Significant increase in the supply of potential workers for the non-agricultural sectors.

Withdrawal of women from the labour market. Conclusion

Action will be needed on multiple fronts such as investments in human capital and revival of the productive sectors.

STIRRING UP THE TRUTH ABOUT ZBNF

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/stirring-up-the-truth-about-zbnf/article29620843.ece

Category: GS 3 (Agriculture)

1200 words summarized to 180

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Organic farming

Criticisms were levelled against Green Revolution for using chemicals.

Organic farming represented non-chemical oriented methods of farming.

In India, organic farming includes Vedic farming, Amrutpani farming, etc.

ZBNF, popularised by Subhash Palekar, is the most recent type of organic farming. ZBNF

ZBNF is posed against both inorganic farming and organic farming.

According to it, soil has all the nutrients plants need.

To make these nutrients available to plants, “four wheels of ZBNF”- Bijamrit, Jivamrit, Mulching and Waaphasa - are required.

Analysing ZBNF

ZBNF is hardly zero budget. Many ingredients have to be purchased.

There are no independent studies to validate the claims that ZBNF.

Claims of ZBNF are unscientific.

Spiritual nature of agriculture ZBNF posits shows cultural chauvinism.

Way forward

Improvement of soil health required

Steps to check wind and water erosion of soils

Innovative technologies to minimise physical degradation of soils

Improve the fertility of saline, acidic, alkaline and toxic soil

Location-specific interventions

Use of chemical fertilizers where required

a strong embrace of scientific temper Conclusion

Lacking scientific temper, the inclusion of ZBNF into our agricultural policy by the government appears unwise.

EASIER DOES IT

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/india-ease-of-doing-business-modi-government-6088419/

Category: GS 3 (Economy)

400 words summarized to 140

Context

India has moved up by 14 spots in 2019 World Bank’s doing Business rankings. Ahead of peers

India’s ranking has improved to 63 in 2019.

India has moved ahead of its Asian peers - Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.

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India is close to be in the top 50 economies on this index.

Parameters that saw improvement

India has gained on four parameters:

resolving insolvency,

dealing with construction permits,

trading across borders, and

registering property.

Divergence with ground reality

Since these rankings are based only on the performance of a few select cities, they are unlikely to reflect the ground realities of whole Economy. Way forward

Much more needs to be done on enforcing contracts.

Easing compliance costs of GST, and of paying tax in general.

Expanding the list of cities covered by this report beyond Delhi and Mumbai, to include Kolkata and Bengaluru as well.

FORGING TRADE ALLIANCES

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/regional-comprehensive-economic-partnership-asean-china-india-6011345/

Category: GS 2 (International bodies)

700 words summarized to 200

Introduction RCEP aims to create the world’s largest trading block. Importance of RCEP

It will constitute almost half of world’s economy.

It consists of three of the six largest economies of the world.

Out of top 16 countries with the largest GDP, six belong to RCEP.

Why should India join RCEP?

India can balance China by joining it.

RCEP can bring in newer technology and make Indian industry far more competitive.

RCEP provides Indian industry a huge market to grow and expand.

Opening up markets and reducing tariffs will benefit consumers.

RCEP is a natural follow up of India’s Act East policy.

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The China factor

By entering RCEP, India may be able to get greater market access to even China.

India’s presence in this trading block could lead to a large number of multinationals shifting their production facilities from China to India.

RCEP will force China to provide a level playing field.

Way forward

India must ensure that RCEP includes unbridled access for Indian service providers.

Protection will need to be ensured for some sensitive industries crucial for national security.

Some temporary protection may be required for certain sectors of agriculture, crucial for food security.

Conclusion India’s absence from RCEP will virtually handover this significant grouping to China, which is certainly not in India’s interest.

FRAMING LAWS FOR OUTER SPACE

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/framing-laws-for-outer-space/article29683178.ece

Category: GS 3 (SC n tech)

500 words summarized 150

Context

Recently it was reported that the “world’s first space crime” may have been committed by a NASA astronaut, Anne McClain. No proper space law

Although there are legal documents that govern space, such as the Outer Space Treaty, the Moon Agreement, etc., none of them comprehends a detailed framework to cater to criminal disputes that might arise on commercial space vessels in future. India’s case

ISRO is to send Indians to the ISS.

India then might have to contemplate a treaty with ISS nations.

India will have to include provisions relating to offences in space in the Indian Penal Code.

India might also need to formulate new international agreements on space. Way forward for India

India must formulate visionary laws which cater to the needs of rapidly evolving space science.

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INDIA’S legal prowess must be applied urgently to space exploration. Conclusion

India must keep space with the explosive growth in space technology.

GOOD REPORT CARD

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/good-report-card/article29789953.ece

Category: GS 3 (Economy)

460 words summarized to 130

Context

There has been a rise in India’s ranking by 14 places to 63 in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business 2020 survey. Some important data

India figures in the top ten most improved countries in the world for the third consecutive year.

India’s rank has improved from 108 to 52 in the “resolving insolvency” category.

The country’s ranking in the “Trading across borders” category jumped from 80 to 68.

Still behind the competitors

India is still below its competitors for global capital, particularly China.

The country lags in key metrics such as “Starting a business’.

Ranking based on Mumbai and Delhi only

The rankings are based on samples and audits done in Mumbai and Delhi only.

It is needed to streamline processes across the country.

Conclusion

Rise in rankings will depend on how much the States reform their systems.

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HOUSING CRISIS, UNTOUCHED

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/housing-crisis-untouched/article29559309.ece

Category: GS 2 (Social sector)

750 words summarized to 150 Context

Recently, a draft of the Model Tenancy Act, 2019, was released. Provisions of the Act

promote rental housing

‘balance the interests’ of landowners and tenants. Pros of the Act

constitution of Rent Courts and Tribunals.

time-bound process with dedicated courts for tenants and landlords Issues with the Act

fails to take into account that a majority of tenancies in India are informal

majority of the rental agreements may continue to be unregistered

jurisdiction of Rent Courts and Tribunals is limited to the tenancy agreement submitted to the Rent Authority.

How can the Act be made more effective?

Act needs to focus on the upper end of the housing market

Act needs to differentiate between commercial tenancies and residential tenancies

increase the supply of formal affordable rental housing — housing that can actually fall under the purview of the Act

Conclusion

To address the housing crisis and to ensure secure tenures for low-income households, the Act needs a wider ambit along with renewed efforts and investments.

IN A PLASTIC WORLD

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/cities-at-crossroads-in-a-plastic-world-6093444/

Category: GS 3 (Environment)

1300 words summarized to 300

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Context

Prime Minister made an announcement on August 15, 2019, that India would eliminate single-use plastics by 2022. Introduction

Ever since plastic was invented by John W Hyatt in 1869, it has been an integral part of our lives.

Plastic does not decompose naturally and sticks around in the environment for thousands of years.

Single use plastics (SUPs)

SUPs refers to plastics which are used just once, as in disposable packaging.

43 per cent of India’s plastics are used in packaging and much of it is single-use plastic.

States banning plastic

Close to 20 states in India have imposed a partial or total ban on single-use plastics at one time or another.

The bans have not been successful because of poor state capacity to enforce.

The menace of plastic carry bags

They are not reused because they are very cheap and therefore become, effectively, single-use plastics.

Plastics Waste Management Rules 2016 has failed to reduce their usage.

Alternatives such as non-woven polypropylene (PP) bags are actually more dangerous for the environment.

Blown by wind into drains, they cause flooding of urban areas.

They find their way into the stomachs of roaming livestock.

All plastic waste is eventually carried into the oceans.

Way forward

We need to build awareness of the damage caused by SUPs and develop consumer consciousness to minimise their use.

In our parties, we could use paper plates and bamboo straws.

Magazines or invitations or advertising should switch to tear-proof paper instead.

SUPs can be converted into plastic granules for blending into other plastic products.

Increased compliance with Plastic Waste Management Rules of 2016 is needed.

Plastics can be used in construction in road.

Thermocol should be replaced with totally biodegradable pith from the shola/sola plant.

Conclusion We need many innovative ideas and a fundamental change in mindsets to minimise the use of single-use plastic.

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IN MAMMALLAPURAM

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/in-mamallapuram-seeking-the-true-north-in-ties/article29649936.ece

Category: GS 2 (International relations)

1150 words summarized to 150 Introduction

The second informal summit between India and China was held in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu. Some stress points

China’s position on issues such as Masood Azhar, India’s NSG membership, Trade gap, inroads into South Asia, support for Pakistan on J&K have created turbulence in relationship.

China’s endorsement of the CPEC has been rejected by India as it passes through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

The thaw in relationship

Both India and China are keen to deepen engagement and impart stability and predictability to their relations.

For example, after the stand-off at Doklam (2017), the two leaders met within days at the BRICS Summit.

Way forward

firewalling the bilateral track from third-party considerations,

fighting stereotypes through objective media coverage,

encouraging high level and other exchanges

enhancing confidence building measures between the armed forces,

balancing India’s trade deficit of $58 billion and

injecting greater transparency in China’s growing presence in South Asia. Conclusion

Neither China nor India can contain the other. Both are destined to rise. Much will depend on the choices we make.

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IT’S ABOUT BENCHMARKS

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/supreme-court-constitution-bench-arun-kumar-mishra-judiciary-6079337/

Category: GS 2 (Polity)

1000 words summarized to 120 Context

Recently, Justice Arun Kumar Mishra refused to recuse himself from the Constitution Bench. The law on recusal

The law on recusal was laid down by Justice M N Venkatachaliah in Ranjit Thakur Case (1987).

He held that a judge should recuse from a proceeding in which his impartiality might be questioned.

Is Justice Mishra’s stand justified?

Justice Mishra is absolutely right that the decision of recusal should be made by the judge as per the dictates of his conscience.

But ideally, when a judge recuses himself, he should state the reasons for his decision.

Way forward

Recusal requests should not be heard by the bench but only by the judge concerned.

Recusal requests should not be used to intimidate a judge.

Conclusion

Procedural fairness is an integral part of due process, especially after Maneka Gandhi Case (1978).

MAINTAINING THE INDIA-CHINA STRIDE LENGTH

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/maintaining-the-india-china-stride-length/article29629660.ece

Category: GS 2 (International Relations)

1000 words summarized to 190 Analysing India-China relations

Over the past decade, three forces have been shaping India-China relations. changing world order and the rise of Asia

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West’s declining capacity to manage international affairs, a changing South Asia with China’s policies such as Belt and Road initiative and the

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

Between 2014 and 2017, the relation was characterised by tension, mistrust, and competition

The Doklam episode saw the culmination of mistrust.

At 2018 “informal summit” in Wuhan, both sides attempted to chart a fresh course.

The Wuhan Summit

Wuhan summit was built on pillars such as: simultaneous emergence of India and China respecting each other’s concerns and aspirations peaceful border management greater consultation on all matters of common interest

Wuhan approach was critiqued for not going far enough in terms of laying out a blueprint to resolve differences.

Road map

India’s China policy should be guided by three grand strategic goals:

an inclusive security architecture in Asia

a fair and rules-based open international order

sustainable economic development in the neighbourhood. Conclusion

Both countries should step up and play constructive roles to shape the emerging world order.

MINDING THE GAPS IN INDIA’S DATA INFRASTRUCTURE

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/minding-the-gaps-in-indias-data-infrastructure/article29779725.ece

Category: GS 3 (economy)

1200 words summarized t0 150 Context

Last week, demographers from around the world gathered in Delhi to mark 25 years of National Family Health Surveys (NFHS). Can India’s existing data infrastructure support high quality data collection?

Indian statistical infrastructure is crumbling and is not able to fulfil even its traditional tasks, let alone meet the new demands.

If we are to move towards developing a more robust data infrastructure, subscribing to the following core principles may be a good start.

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First, set realistic goals and use creative strategies. For example, obtaining local government data.

Second, adapt to changing institutional and technological environment for data collection. For example, concurrent monitoring using technologically-enabled procedures.

Third, establish research units exclusively focused on data collection and research design.

Conclusion

Unless we pay systematic attention to the data infrastructure, we are likely to have the national discourse hijacked by poor quality data as has happened in the past with a measurement of poverty or inconsistent data on GDP.

SHOULD SCHOOLS HAVE PRAYERS?

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/should-schools-have-prayers/article29789714.ece

Category: GS 2 (Polity)

1800 words summarized to 150

Context

The headmaster of a government school in Uttar Pradesh was suspended for asking students to sing religious prayers in the morning assembly.

Do prayers in the morning assembly amount to giving religious instruction?

Yes:

According to Article 28(3) it is not required for a child to attend religious instructions of state-funded schools.

It contradicts the spirit of rationality and compromises on scientific temper.

Religion has contributed to ethics but have also led to bloodshed.

No:

There is no distinction between the aesthetics of a song and [of] a poem that has spiritual overtones.

Bhajans are very basic to the cultural and literary traditions of the entire Hindi belt.

Direct religious instruction has to be distinguished from traditions of religion which are part of a cultural ethos of the country.

Article 51A of the Constitution says citizens should cherish and follow the noble ideals of those who guided our freedom struggle. Therefore, bhajans such as those of Gandhi’s cannot be banned.

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Conclusion

We need greater autonomy and a far greater intellectual space to engage with our heritage.

STILL A DEVELOPING COUNTRY

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/still-a-developing-country/article29834940.ece

Category: GS 2 (International institutions)

650 words summarized to 180 Introduction

India is trying hard to prove that it is a poor country at WTO. Why India is doing this?

U.S. is threating that countries like India should be stripped off their ‘developing country’ status in the WTO. ‘Developing country’ status in WTO

Under WTO, countries are designated as developed, developing, and least developed.

But it does not mention any criterion to determine a ‘developing country’ status.

Distinction between developed and developing in WTO

The uneven level of development between developed and developing countries in the WTO is a well-recognised fact.

Accordingly, countries self-designate themselves as ‘developing country’ to take advantage of provisions like Article XVIII of GATT.

The US threat

U.S. made a submission to the WTO that countries like India are no more ‘developing countries’ and thus should not enjoy the special and differential treatment (S&DT) benefits.

India is a member of the G20 and its share in world exports is around 1.7%. So, India will not qualify as a developing country.

Recently, South Korea had to give up its ‘developing country’ status. The heat is on India. Conclusion

Any unilateral action by the U.S. would be a violation of international law and yet another onslaught on trade multilateralism.

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TAKING NATIONAL DATA SERIOUSLY

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/taking-national-data-seriously/article29716990.ece

Category: GS 2/3

1200 words summarized to 200

Introduction

The Prime Minister recently compared data to property at the advent of the industrial era. Shift of digital power

The global digital or artificial intelligence (AI) economy is currently a two-horse race between the U.S. and China.

It is feared that all other countries will have to become fully digitally dependent on one of these two digital superpowers.

Community data

Data is the basis of detailed and deep intelligence about a community.

Such data-based intelligence can be employed to reorganise and coordinate different sectors.

But this data-based community intelligence can equally be used to manipulate or cause harm to the community.

Preserving data policy space

India may accept free data flow clauses with some public policy exceptions.

In signing on a free flow of data regime, India will largely end up ceding most of its data policy space, and data sovereignty. It will effectively be laying the path for permanent digital dependency.

Way forward

Some kinds of data may indeed need to be localised, while others should freely flow globally.

In less important areas or sectors data may need no or very little regulation, but in other important areas, close regulation is required.

Effective community control over its data is required.

Data policies must ensure that the required data is actually available to Indian digital businesses.

Conclusion

India must not trade away its national data rights.

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A HEALTH WARNING

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-tuberculosis-health-hunger-6088400/

Category: GS 2 (Health)

750 words summarized to 150

Context

India is now home to about a quarter of the total global TB patients. The TB data

21.5 lakh TB cases were reported in the country in 2018.

‘Nikshay’ – the surveillance programme- has improved the reporting of TB cases.

TB: a social disease

TB is more of a social disease owing its roots to poverty, malnutrition and poor sanitary conditions.

TB in India is related to Global Hunger Index (GHI) and Open Defecation Free (ODF)-villages

Barriers to TB notification

Factors like patient confidentiality issues prevent notification of TB patients.

A hungry India with GHI rank of 102 cannot be free of TB.

TB and sanitation have a direct causal relationship.

The private sector

5.4 lakh cases were from the private sector, an increase of 40 per cent from last year.

More than 80 per cent of healthcare is now being delivered by private sector.

Conclusion

An end to TB is not possible till we end malnutrition, poverty and poor sanitation.

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THE LAW ISN’T ENOUGH

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/the-law-isnt-enough-ncrb-data-mob-lynching-6084672/

Category: GS 2 (Governance)

750 words summarized to 150 Context

There have been more than 250 cases of lynching since 2014 casting an adverse impression about the role of the police. Role of police

Police has played a partisan role in most incidents of lynching.

However, there have also been cases where policemen prevented lynching.

Direction of Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre and all states to frame stringent laws against lynching.

Manipur, Rajasthan and West Bengal have passed such legislation.

Uttar Pradesh State Law Commission has stressed the need to take stringent action against officials for dereliction of their duties.

Way forward

Political patronage to fundamentalist elements should be avoided.

Monitoring fake news and arresting those who originate and forward such news.

Communally sensitive districts ought to have additional armed companies.

Prompt investigations into incidents of mob lynching.

Police protection to the witnesses and the victims.

Lynching must be made a non-bailable offence.

Policemen should also be tried as the culprits for dereliction of duty.